I returned to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, after graduation. I had been there before my mother became a minister. Two weeks later, I told my mother I was bored. She said, “Here’re the car keys. Go and buy some fruit.” _36_, I jumped into the car and speeded off.
Seeing me or rather my 37 , a boy sprang up, 38 to sell his bananas and peanuts. “Banana 300 naira. Peanut 200 naira!” Looking at his black-striped bananas, I 39 to 200 total for the fruit and nuts. He 40 and I handed him a 300 naira note. He didn’t have 41 , so I told him not to worry. He was 42 and smiled a row of perfect teeth.
When, two weeks later, I 43 this same boy, I was more aware of my position in Nigerian society. I should 44 this country as the son of a 45 . But it was hard to find pleasure in a place where it was so 46 to see a little boy who should have been in school selling fruit.
“What’s up?” I asked. He answered in 47 English, “I…I no get money to buy book.” I took out two 500 naira notes. He looked around 48 before sticking his hand into the car 49 the bills. One thousand naira means a lot to a family that 50 only 15,000 each year.
The next morning, security officers told me, “In this place, when you give a little, people think you’re a fountain of opportunity.” 51 it’s right, but this happens everywhere in the world. I wondered if my little friend had actually used the money for 52 . After six months’ work in northern Nigeria, I returned and saw him again standing on the road. “Are you in school now?” He nodded. A silence fell as we looked at each other, and then I 53 what he wanted. I held out a 150 naira note. “Take this.” He shook his head fiercely and stepped back 54 hurt. “It’s a gift.” I said. Shaking his head again, he handed me a basket of bananas and peanuts. “I’ve been waiting to 55 these to you.”
36.A. Encouraged B. Disappointed C. Delighted D. Confused
37.A. car B. mother C. driver D. keys
38.A. willing B. afraid C. eager D. ashamed
39.A. got down B. bargained down C. put down D. took down
40.A. explained B. promised C. agreed D. admitted
41.A. change B. notes C. checks D. bills
42.A. troubled B. regretful C. comfortable D. grateful
43.A. ran after B. ran into C. ran over D. ran to
44.A. protect B. enjoy C. help D. support
45.A. minister B. headmaster C. manager D. president
46.A. lucky B. amazing C. funny D. common
47.A. old B. broken C. traditional D. modern
48.A. proudly B. madly C. curiously D. nervously
49.A. for B. with C. at D. upon
50.A. spends B. pays C. makes D. affords
51.A. Possibly B. Actually C. Certainly D. Fortunately
52.A. joys B. nuts C. books D. bananas
53.A. asked B. imagined C. reminded D. realized
54.A. when B. as if C. even if D. after
55.A. send B. provide C. sell D. give
C A C B C A D B B A
D B D A C A C D B D